Principal Engineer - Software (HMI)

About Edge At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives. Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose-built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality. Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped. Together, we are shaping the future. About The Role We are seeking experienced Principal Software Engineers with a focus on User Interface design (HFI/UI/UX) to support development of a complex Defence Communications and Command & Control (C2) system. The successful candidates will contribute to the design, development, integration, and maintenance of software components underpinning mission-critical communications and operational capabilities, working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment alongside systems engineers, software architects, integration engineers, test teams, and operational stakeholders. The role requires strong software engineering fundamentals, a disciplined approach to design and testing, and experience developing distributed or communications-based applications in Java. Responsibilities • Produce UI product/system requirement specifications based on end-user input and operational analysis, translating user needs to relevant functional engineering teams • Develop product/system design concepts and implementation specifications with a focus on usability • Create, evaluate, and modify prototypes, operational scenarios, and process maps, with emphasis on operational context, interaction, physical manipulation, and task analysis • Contribute to software architecture, detailed design, and software integration activities across complex distributed systems • Produce and maintain software design artefacts/models; participate in technical reviews and design discussions • Ensure software quality through disciplined development and verification: automated unit tests, integration/system/acceptance testing support, and code/peer reviews Basic Qualifications • Degree in Software Engineering • Minimum 10 years' experience in software development, preferably within communications, defence, mission-critical, or distributed systems • Strong proficiency in Java development • Experience analysing designs/requirements from a Human Factors / Human Systems Integration perspective, including Task Analyses (Mission Task Analysis, Top-Down Functional Analysis, Critical Task Analysis) • Experience with GIS frameworks and proficiency with Web UI fundamentals (HTML, JavaScript, CSS) • Solid understanding of UML/software modelling and core software engineering principles (modular design, high cohesion/low coupling, object-oriented design) Preferred Qualifications • Experience developing communications systems or network-enabled applications • Familiarity with messaging protocols and distributed messaging architectures • Experience developing real-time or near-real-time systems, and/or with GIS • Familiarity with software development in defence, security, or safety-critical environments • Experience with automated build/CI pipelines • Experience supporting software integration and verification activities within larger system developments WHY CHOOSE EDGE Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive. At EDGE, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and digital learning platforms, employees have access to extensive opportunities to develop new skills, deepen their expertise, and advance their careers. Combined with the freedom to innovate, strong career support, and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class talent from across the globe, EDGE is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes. Working at EDGE also comes with a package that genuinely reflects how much we value our people. Salaries are highly competitive and tax-free and, depending on your role and seniority, benefits can include family visas, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for you and your dependents, and education allowances for your children. CANDIDATE PRIVACY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT If you feel your skills, experience and potential are a strong match for a role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. We are genuinely interested in what you can bring to EDGE. Any information you share as part of your EDGE candidate profile or job application will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations. EDGE is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and our employment decisions reflect that. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. As a global organisation, effective collaboration across international teams is central to how we work, so English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting. Please note that EDGE does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes in the absence of a formally executed agreement in place will be deemed the property of EDGE, and no placement fees or compensation will be payable in respect of such submissions. Show more Show less